It's been a bit since this video was recorded -- but going through the cuts it looks like we've got a 1/2" straight flute for clearing out the majority of the material in the pocket, followed by a 1/8" straight flute for the corners. Then we switch to a 90 deg V-Bit (1/2 cutter diameter) for the V-Carving toolpath. The cutout at the end is done with a 3/8 Compression (up-down cut) bit.

Thanks

Exactly - a set of dowel holes can be cut into the spoilboard and used to accurately locate the part after the flip. Just remember which way you're supposed to flip it (top to bottom or left to right!)

@@shopbottools cool, thanks

For this specific cut, the saw is not really necessary -- that width of kerf and speed of cut would be achievable with an end mill. However, the customer that we are working with is interested in making deeper cuts with a narrow kerf -- that wouldn't be possible with a typical end mill -- but will be easy for the chip saw to achieve.

We are testing this accessory out for a customer who is interested in cutting lumber on the ShopBot. If it works out well for them, then we'd like to offer it to more users!

If there is a less expensive drag knife attachment for industrial CNC machines with the same or better features and build quality, please let us know and we will look into it.

@@shopbottools heyy sorry that was a little agressive on my end haha. I did look into it however and I think I'm going for the Stepcraft brand, their drag knife is 180 euro and their creaser is 75. Looks sturdy as well.

@@cokimi1301 No worries! We're thankful that you watched our video and great to hear there was another drag knife option that looks to do that trick for less! If you are using a ShopBot CNC machine, we are always interested in featuring what our community is making so be sure to tag us and we'll repost. Thanks!

Thanks for checking out the ShopBot CNC in action! We hope you'll keep us in mind if you ever decide to upgrade to a USA made CNC!

This was based on a customer request for a specialized machine to cut slots for guitar fretboards. The saw blade is the exact width of the slots needed for frets and can be pushed at a much higher feedrate through the wood. It isn't a good general application setup -- but for someone who just needs to do this one thing, it saves time. Check out the linked video in the short if you're curious about how exactly its going to be used.

Hi David, the ShopBot Rotary Indexer is designed to work with ShopBot CNC machines and included software. For any additional info, please contact ShopBot tech support at 888-680-4466 or email [email protected]. Thank you for checking out this video. You should check out WWGOA (Woodworkers Guild of America) at wwgoa.com. They are a great resource for woodworkers of all levels.

The drive stepper motor is a 0.9 deg/step motor run through a 3:1 gear reduction driven by a stepper driver that is capable of 1/10 microstepping -- so the motor steps per degree work out to 33.33. The motor driver can handle between 15 and 50VDC. Any machine setup that is able to drive a stepper motor could be used to control this rotary indexer. 3" refers to the suggested diameter limit. It is possible to get slightly larger pieces in the machine but the strength of the drive motor really sets the limit for what you want to try to turn on this setup. I use vectric software exclusively to program my indexer. VCarve (or any of their products with rotary tool options) can take in .stl files and output rotary cut files. Setting up your headstock and tailstock so that the turning axis is parallel to both your X and Y axes is critical to getting good quality cuts. Before loading any material into your indexer it is a good idea to chuck up a V-Bit in the headstock and use the machine to confirm that the tip of the V Bit in the headstock is perfectly aligned with the tip of the live center in the tailstock. 3D rotary is very forgiving as far as the appearance of a part cut with poor alignment on the indexer -- but if the accuracy of the size of your part is critical, you'll need to make sure that your setup is dialed in. There are a lot of options for small size rotary indexers for CNC -- and a lot of really affordable ones exactly in this size range. Honestly, there is not much to mechanically differentiate this indexer from any of the cheaper ones you can find on amazon. The main advantage of buying this indexer if you're a ShopBot owner is that the engineering team at ShopBot designed this device and it is manufactured by ShopBot -- meaning that the customer support team at ShopBot is most familiar with this setup and can provide training and help more quickly. I do not think that owners of other CNC equipment would benefit from purchasing this indexer instead of other similar options.

I don't think we have this cut file available to check the settings after all these years, however, we recommend starting with feeds and speeds suggested by the bit manufacturer first, and tweaking from there. You may find that you can run your machine a little faster than manufacturer suggestions in many cases. If you'd like to get more in depth for the best settings your ShopBot CNC machine can handle, please call ShopBot tech support at 888-680-4466. Thanks!!

Good question! Our probe is designed to work only with our 3-axis machines as the touch points are only able to translate to the software we use as vertical touch points. We recommend looking into 3D scanning for full 3D modeling. Hope that info helps!

@@shopbottools Thank you for your response, Can I trace a part manually using the Shop Bot Software to create a tool path

We offer this as a custom machine option. You can not have both the spindle and tangential knife attached at the same time on the desktop machine, but you CAN with our larger full size machines. Call us for details! 888680-4488

Thanks for the kind words! Glad this video helped. If you ever have questions or need any parts, a tuneup, or info on the latest, give us a call! 888680-4466

you could charge more for hand work if you think folks would pay more, however, we hope a video like this encourages you to consider ShopBot CNC for repeatable precision. Still plenty of hand work in guitar making. Let a ShopBot save you a ton of time, get you a precise part every time, and allow you to be productive in other ways while the grunt work is automated. :)

When using the appropriate bit, and feeds & speeds for profile cuts, smooth sides are achievable with ShopBot CNC machines. If you are referring to the edges, there are various methods to round edges of material, such as a round-over bit on a router table or various grits of sandpaper. Lots of methods. If you have any other questions about how the ShopBot CNC machine functions, please call or email any time! 888680-4466 or [email protected]. Thanks!!!

Hi There! Since this video was from 5 years ago and the employee in the video no longer works at ShopBot, we don't have the requested info readily available. If you'd like to get an estimate on how fast a ShopBot CNC machine can finish a particular project you are interested in working on, please call or email and we'll get you the info needed for confident and fastest settings in relation to our machines. Thanks!! 888680-4466 or [email protected]

A and B axis are optional auxiliary axes for accessories. The A axis is most often used for a second spindle (second Z axis) and the B axis is most often used for a rotary indexer. These are enable through the "Display Values" dialog under the "Values" menu in the shopbot control software by increasing the number of axes displayed from 3 to 4 or 5

It's always so easy to forget to reverse your design before cutting a printing block -- it's the last thing you do and you're so excited to get cutting. I've definitely had to recut printing blocks after making my first print and realizing all my text was backwards :/

Thanks Russell! We're glad you found this helpful! If you ever have any questions about using your ShopBot CNC machine, we're available to chat!

Thanks, Bob! Mark Wood has some exciting developments happening with his electric violin brand. We're hoping to post more about his line of instruments and how they're made with the help of ShopBot CNC soon!

Hi there! If you have any questions about using your ShopBot CNC or rotary indexer, please call or email and we'll get you on track! [email protected] or 888680-4466. thanks!

Thanks for your input! If you have a tutorial video for this process on your ShopBot CNC we would be happy to repost to bring attention to your process. We're always looking to promote what the ShopBot community is making across all of our social channels.

Hi Gene, this show happens every year! check out namm.org for details. If you go, please stop by and say hi at the ShopBot CNC booth!

Thanks for your request! Our machines are capable of cutting the material you are asking about. Is there something specific that you are wondering if our machines can produce? Call or email us any time. We are happy to help you find the right ShopBot CNC for your application. 888-680-4466 or [email protected]

Thanks for your comment! We have made software updates throughout the years that improve the speed and functionality at which our control software communicates with our machines. In fact, we recently released an update for SB3 that you should download from shopbottools.com. We understand the interface does not look as modern as 3D printer software but you will find that it is capable of advanced machining. You can design very complex projects and achieve fine detail with our USA made machines. We are a small independent manufacture and we pride ourselves on swift customer support. We encourage you to call or email with any questions. A little training goes a long way! We want you to be successful with ShopBot CNC machines. 888-680-4466 or [email protected]. Thanks!!

Hi Charles, yes, we believe ShopBot CNC will be a great choice for your application. To be certain, it would be best to call and talk to one of our CNC experts to be sure we guide you towards a machine that best suits your needs. Thanks for your comment! We look forward to chatting! 888680-4466 or email [email protected]

We assume you are concerned with cost of this CNC machine. Please take into consideration that this machine is USA made, with high grade components, build for industrial production (with extreme detail/tolerances), and features an automatic tool changer on a desktop-sized machine. We are unaware of a USA made CNC machine with the same or similar features for any less than what we provide ours for. ShopBot strives to provide one of the more affordable professional + industrial setups. Long lasting, very little maintenance, and world class customer support. Let us know if you have any questions about getting into the world of ShopBot CNC! Thanks for checking out this video and for your comment!

Thank you! Keep in touch. Happy to answer any questions you have to get the best CNC experience out there!

There are differences to consider. We encourage you to call or email for info on the CNC machine you are interested in finding out more about! 888680-4466 or [email protected]. Thanks for checking out this video and we hope to hear from you soon!

@@shopbottools Thanks, I did fill out the form on your site

@@drich6816 Thanks for filling out the support contact form on our website. Have you heard back from someone at ShopBot yet? If not, call 888-680-4466 or email [email protected] for fastest communication. Thanks!!

Hi there! We don't have quick access to the file from this older video, however, if you need help figuring out feeds and speeds for anything you are doing with your ShopBot CNC, please call or email our Tech Support - 888680-4466 r [email protected] and they will respond quickly. Thanks!

This guitar body sample was cut on a ShopBot Desktop MAX CNC machine at ShopBot headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. The software we used for the design is Vectric Aspire. This is a partially finished sample to show different stages and levels of carving. Let us know if you have any other questions! Thanks!

@shopbottools ok thanks for replying.I was just wondering as it is uncommon to see a carved top sg. This is one of my favorite bodies. Are these carved top sg's for sale somewhere?

@@j-rod6420 no problem! We have a few guitar players that work at ShopBot and we thought it would be a good experiment for a trade show sample. With your own ShopBot CNC machine, you can make any custom guitar you can dream up! If that would ever be a consideration, call or email any time!